Abstract
Explained is the method "retrospective accident analysis"as used by German Insurance Companies Parameters and data decisive to make accident reconstructions are indicated. The improtance of the accounts of injuries and possibilities to include and assess these injuries in retrospective research of a big humber of accidents are described. Results show clearly the big safety effect of seat belts. The positive effect was even greater for drivers than for passengers. Injuries because of the belt were also notices however. But they should not be seen as negative aspects of seat-belt use.